Insights
Insights
Artificial intelligence: the promises and the perils
The fluid, fast-moving and often conflicting narratives around artificial intelligence (AI) are challenging for all of us. In the popular imagination, the pendulum swings between exciting opportunity and existential threat with dizzying speed.
What the 2025 Budget means for wealthier individuals
With public finances under intense pressure, the Autumn budget has delivered significant tax changes from a government determined to ensure that ‘the wealthiest are to contribute the most’. Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ 2025 Budget has attempted to stabilise government debt, meet government spending commitments and fund ambitious investment in public services and infrastructure, all while honouring a manifesto pledge not to increase income tax, National Insurance or VAT.
What the 2025 Budget will mean for wealthy individuals – a private banker’s perspective
For many financially successful individuals, government budgets are no longer moments of shock or surprise. Instead, they have become part of a steady reshaping of the UK’s tax landscape, where the direction of travel matters more than any single announcement.
Client Satisfaction Survey 2025
In our latest satisfaction survey, conducted earlier in 2025, we asked clients about their experience of banking with us. We do this to understand how well we are performing from their perspective and to learn if there are any services that they would like us to consider or to improve upon. This helps us, where necessary, to adjust our services to better meet their needs.
Dispelling the myths about ‘typical’ Private Banking clients.
There’s a popular misconception that private banks are only really for the Lords and Ladies, leaders of industry or sporting superstars. Don’t get me wrong – we’re pleased to have clients like this – but are they a typical private banking client? At Hampden Bank, I’d have to say the answer is ‘no’.
Are you prepared for a 20% rise in school fees?
Choosing a private education is a significant and lengthy financial commitment which requires careful consideration and planning. Private school fees in the UK continue to rise at rates above inflation. According to the Independent Schools Council's 2024 report, average fees per term at member schools saw annual increases of 9.0% and 8.8% for boarding and day schools respectively, to £14,175 and £5,908.
Why consider a Private Bank?
Kevin Eagles has been reflecting on what typically triggers a client to decide to switch bank. They generally move after becoming frustrated with their existing bank for one of the following reasons…